du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, has announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, with Cisco to accelerate the digital transformation roadmap of the company, allowing it to transform from a service provider to a digital telco. The MoU is focused on exploring opportunities in key areas including sustainability, metaverse-ready network, security and quantum-ready network, AI and automation, and private 5G among others. The announcement was made at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona.
The collaboration supports du’s transition to become a platform of innovation while exploring new revenue streams boosted by cloud services, AI and a digital-first approach. The MoU also represents a strategic framework to help enhance du’s network performance, strengthen managed services and improve mobile experiences across the UAE in line with the telco’s digital transformation.
Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, said: “With the aim to become a digital telco, we have established a number of key partnerships that will propel the company to the next stage of its journey. Our collaboration with Cisco will help us to expand our digital capabilities by fostering innovation and enhancing productivity. In turn, this will make du a more streamlined and agile organisation, increasing our profit and enabling additional growth opportunities.”
The two companies plan to work together to identify and analyse digital market trends and opportunities to fulfil customers’ evolving network needs, as well as to identify potential new revenue streams and business models to support the transition. Cisco will provide expertise in networking and cybersecurity among other areas, while du will provide expertise in telecommunications and market trends.
Mohamed Tantawi, Managing Director, Telcos and Service Providers for Middle East and Africa, said: “We are pleased to work with du to enable its digital ecosystem and pave the way to vast potential thanks to the power of transformative technologies. Cisco’ deep industry experience will allow us to address du’s business priorities and support the company in its transformation journey.”
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